Return Of The Elemental


Disclaimer: Once again I don't own anything except my own characters and such.


Chapter 9 – Gryffindor VS Hufflepuff?

As soon as Harry closed the door and walked down the stairs from his Headmasters office, he began to walk aimlessly around the castle of Hogwarts, not really paying attention as to where his weary feet were taking him. His mind kept on going over the conversation that he had just held with Dumbledore.

There was a prophecy about him and Voldemort, and when Harry summarized it, all it meant is that one day he would either finally kill Voldemort or be killed by the feared Dark Lord.

'Shit' he cursed out loud, earning him a few glares from the portraits that were hung on the walls. At first he was calm with it but now he was alone and could think. 'Why must everything happen to me, for five bleedin minutes I'd like to be a normal child and enjoy my adolescence with the rest of my friends….'

'You know that won't happen Harry.'

Harry turned round to see the owner of the voice and saw that he was walking towards him.

'Me-Merlin? Is it really you?' asked a disbelieving Harry

'Indeed it is my boy. How have you been?' said the ghostly form of Harry's old tutor. 'Putting your Elements to good use I hope.'

'Ho-How is it possible for you to be here?' sputtered Harry.

'Gordon Bennett, your not one for hospitality are you? Maybe we should have put some study into that, your manners are hopeless.' Merlin said whilst chuckling at Harry hurt face.

'I'm sorry Merlin, its great to see you again, its just… I thought you would have gone back to being properly dead.'

'Well yes, once we did finish your training I did go back to being properly deceased, that is why I am in this form, but I had to come back Harry, you just received some very serious information, did you not?'

Harry was going to ask how Merlin knew about that but thought that he was Merlin and could probably do anything he wanted to. So he told Merlin what Dumbledore had just told him.

'Remember back when we first met and you said that I had to train so one day I would have the ability to defeat Voldemort?' Merlin just nodded. 'Well it seems as though you were right, according to professor Dumbledore, a long time ago a prophecy was given, a prophecy when summed up means that I am the only one that can kill Voldemort.'

'Really, how very interesting' Merlin said with raised eyebrows. 'Well Harry, I hope you are continuing with your training?'

'Yes I have, I keep going for my early morning runs and than after that I do some other stuff on the quidditch pitch with my staff and guardians, after that I call for a duelling dummy and practice my muggle fighting techniques. I'm thinking of going for a swim in the great lake soon as well just so I can build up my endurance levels.'

'Harry I thought you were smart' Merlin nearly shouted, 'what happens if you wake one of your dorm mates when you get up in the morning? They could follow you down and find out what you really are,'

'Merlin calm down. Firstly, I am smart. Secondly, there's no chance of me waking anyone up, you see I don't sleep in Gryffindor tower anymore, I am now the lone resident of the East tower and lastly I have only told the people that I trust about who I am, so stop fretting.'

'O, sorry Harry, just got a little carried away' even though Merlin was a pearly white transparent ghost, Harry swore he saw a hint of pink rising in his old mentors cheeks. 'I'm glad you're still training, I can't say I'm happy about you not sleeping back in your dormitory, why are you sleeping on top of a tower?'

'Well to be honest with you… I'm keeping a lookout for Voldemort and his Death Eaters' Harry hoped he sounded convincing, for that was not the real reason he had been hiding from Gryffindor tower.

'Harry? Are you lying to me?' Merlin had his eyebrows raised again.

'What? How could you say that? I'm appalled that you wou-' Merlin cut him off.

'Harry you're rambling, you only ramble when you're nervous and you're only nervous when your lying, I should know, I spent two years with you. Now tell me why you're hiding from your old friends?'

Harry knew that he had to tell someone how he was feeling, and he thought who better to tell than a dead man who would tell no one else.

'Alright Merlin, you caught me. You see they've taken away my bed from the dormito-'

'HARRY'

'Alright, alright, Itfeelsdifferenttobearoundthem.'

'I'm sorry Harry I didn't catch that'

'I said. It feels different to be around them.'

Merlin knew what Harry was talking about now.

'Them or her, Harry?'

'You really know how to be a smart ass don't you? Alright, I admit being around Hermione is a bit awkward.'

Merlin just chuckled at Harry's clear annoyance, but was glad that he was finally getting somewhere.

'She is going out with Ron, is she not? Is this the reason why you feel awkward around her?'

'Well kinda, it's just that I didn't expect to come back and find them going out. I mean when I left back in fourth year they were always at each others throats and now they're literally at each others throats. Maybe the feelings I have towards her a like a crush, what do you think?'

Merlin knew from experience that the feelings Harry had for Hermione were indeed not a crush, but if Harry was not spending time with his friends and this was maybe a way to fix that then maybe he should tell the still young boy what he wanted to hear. So with a sigh he began to speak.

'I think that you may be onto something there Harry, well I remember back in my day I had the same type of problems that you seem to be having presently, I couldn't possibly tell you of all the ladies I thought my heart belonged to.' He really didn't like lying, and by the looks of it Harry didn't like it either.

Maybe Merlin's right, maybe it is just a silly little crush, thought Harry.

'Thanks Merlin' said Harry solemnly, 'I guess I was just being foolish, I promise I'll go back to Gryffindor tower tomorrow, and I also promise I will spend more time with my friends.'

'Good boy Harry, oops I should tell you now, you know that Ice sculpture you made for Hermione, well I dropped it off at her house, just to save you some trouble.'

'YOU WHAT' shouted Harry.

'Sorry Harry looks like my time here might be up' said Merlin as his form was starting to disappear, 'remember Harry, continue with your training, I know you will do the Wizarding world proud one day, oh and one last thing…. All things may not seem as they appear.'

And with that Merlin was gone once again.

'What in the bloody name of Merlin did he mean' Harry was of course referring to Merlins last message. 'Honestly that man is as crazy as Dumbledore, I wonder if they're related somehow.'

He forgo his aimless walking and decided to turn in, it was only 9o'clock and most of the older students would still be up but Harry was tired, he did have the right to be tired though, considering it was he, Harry who saved the Ministry of Magic from the peril of Voldemort's Death Eaters. He knew that most of the Death Eaters that were present at the Ministry tonight were the lower ranking ones but it brought a little relief to him to know that Voldemort had failed in his attempts to possess the mainstream of Britain's magical government.

So with that thought in mind Harry made his way to his makeshift quarters on the top of the east tower. His journey was short lived though, for as soon as he took his first few steps pain shot down his body from his scar, a pain so fierce and so intense that it even shock the floor beneath him, from the source of pain a thick line of blood was flowing down from his scar, slowly rolling down over his closed right eyelid and finally finishing resting on his upper lip. But this was all being unnoticed for Harry was not worried about his physical appearance but his mental state, just before he passed out from the pain, Harry knew who was causing it.…. Voldemort was angry.

The Next Morning, Hospital wing.

Harry was starting to stir, he thought that he was just waking up on his water bed on the east tower, but after his senses caught back up with him he was able to feel a soft feathered mattress and he knew that this was not his bed.

Oh crap, thought Harry, I've been abducted by one of those crazy girls that keep following me and used for their own pleasure.

Luckily he calmed down though when he remembered exactly what happened, but was shaken from his thoughts as he heard a voice that he hadn't heard since his 4th year.

'I'm not sure what is wrong with him Headmaster, but I would not expect him to wake for a week or so, he has suffered a lot of pain' said the matron, Madam Pomfrey.

Harry thought the opportunity to good to pass up and he thought that he might play a little trick on his Headmaster and the old woman, and in keeping his eyes shut he didn't see the other many people there, so he wasn't quite ready for the calamity after he spoke his words.

'A week you say, that's a shame, would you like me to go back to sleep?'

Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Crystal, Hagrid, professor Dumbledore and Remus Lupin were all worriedly sitting and standing around Harry's bed in the hospital wing. And each in their own way was dealing with their worries.

Dumbledore and Remus would keep pacing back and forth with thoughtful looks adorned on their faces. Every now and then they would both meet away from the others and converse in whispers, both trying to figure out what might have caused Harry's current state. So far they could only assume it had something to do with his scar, since it was bleeding profusely when he was found.

Flash Back

Luckily it was Dumbledore who had found Harry, who quickly acted and brought the traumatised boy straight to the hospital wing, hoping to keep the incident as quiet as possible. But unfortunately the scream of pain that Harry was producing was so loud that every student in each corner of the castle heard it and by the next morning at breakfast rumours were spreading from house to house. The rumours were spurred on when the arrival of the post came and particular students that subscribed received the Daily Prophet. The first seven pages were dedicated to the attack that took place at the Ministry the night before. But it was the first page that settled on one rumour. Harry Potter, on the top of the page was a picture of Harry as he was talking to Dumbledore and beneath that was an article.

Harry Potter Saves Ministry

Over 100 Dark Supporters Caught

It was around 6o'clock at the Ministry Of Magic. Ministry employees were all finishing up with their day's work, when out of nowhere over 200 Death Eaters attacked the main lobby of the Ministry. Since no one was expecting an attack especially one that took place where many Aurors were held it took everybody by complete surprise. But it looked as though the element of surprise worked and Death Eaters gained the upper hand in the battle fairly quickly, but it only took minutes for the Death Eaters to turn the battle into a massacre, many employees lost their lives, one of these people included our very own Minister, Cornelius Oswald Fudge.

Even with the secret 'Order Of The Phoenix' arriving and being led by Albus Dumbledore it seemed as though the Death Eaters would eventually win.

It only turned good for the Light side when Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Lived, came to one Albus Dumbledore's call. As soon as Potter arrived he was swarmed upon by Death Eaters, Potter quickly disposed of these cowards with some well place attacks, ever so slowly the light side took control of the situation, it wasn't until young Harry saw one Arthur Weasley (Head of the Misuse Of Muggle Artefacts) and his secretary Miss Katie Bell being closed in upon by desperate Death Eaters did he decide to show his raw power. Potter used Fire, Ice, Earth and Lightning to capture as many Death Eaters possible before the Dark Lords supporters fled.

He then spoke quickly to Albus Dumbledore before apparating back to Hogwarts.

Like I have reported earlier, I for one am glad that Harry Potter has returned to help us in this time of need.

Rita Skeeter

It was halfway through breakfast when most people had read the article when a second year Ravenclaw flew into the Hall shouting.

'It's Harry Potter, Harry Potter's in the Hospital Wing.'

The little boy who was known as Eric Rooney was then dragged to his table by his many housemates hoping to gather the whole story of how he found out.

'Well you know how I sometimes get bad head aches, well when that happens I go to Madam Pomfrey and get a special potion that relieves the pain, so anyway when I went to go get my potion I overheard professor Dumbledore talking with professor Snape and professor McGonagall about how it was Harry that was the one screaming last night' he said all this very quickly so people that were further back asked him to repeat his story.

It was then Hermione, Ron, Crystal and Ginny walked into great hall, they each spotted the large group around the Ravenclaw table, so they naturally wanted to see what the kafuffle was about so they each followed their head girl over towards the crowd.

'Alright what's going on here' Hermione said authoritatively.

'What didn't you hear what happened to your precious little Potter?' drawled Draco Malfoy.

'What are you talking about Malfoy?' Ron snapped back.

'Here why don't you read for yourself' Malfoy said whilst chucking a copy of the morning's Daily Prophet and continued in his sneering tone, 'well after Potter played the hero last night, he came back to this dump and decided to tell everyone he was back.'

'Malfoy do you ever talk anything but shit from your mouth, Harry didn't tell anyone he was back' Ron spat.

'What weasel, are you telling me that your that high up in Gryffindor tower that you couldn't hear Potter's shrieks?'

'That was Harry?' Hermione said softly.

'Fraid so Mudblood, tell me, what do you think of your hero now?' Malfoy teased as he began walking out of the great hall.

As soon as the quartet got some more useful information where they learned that Harry was in the hospital wing, which they learned from Lucy Simmons, the little girl that helped Harry best Malfoy and his gang in the team duel yesterday, they left the hall in a flash.

End Flash Back

So that is where they were now, the hospital wing, along with Hagrid, professor Dumbledore and Remus Lupin.

Hermione and Ginny were sitting on either side of Harry's bed, Hermione had her head in her hands, and Ginny was patting her pet wolf, Shydan, a gift from the man lying beside her.

Crystal was sitting nervously in the corner, she seemed to feel as though she was intruding, seeming as though she didn't know Harry as well as the others present.

Ron was standing at the end of Harry's bed looking down at the form that had saved his father and his brother's girlfriend.

Hagrid was sniffing and blowing his nose into a huge tea towel.

The only other people that were there were Remus and Dumbledore, and they were both talking in hushed whispers away from the group. They were shortly joined in their conversation by Madam Pomfrey.

'How is he Poppy' asked the concerned Headmaster.

'I'm not sure what is wrong with him Albus, but I would not expect him to wake for a week or so, he has suffered a lot of pain' said the matron, Madam Pomfrey.

'A week you say, that's a shame, would you like me to go back to sleep then?' said Harry, barely hiding his amusement. He then opened his eyes and witnessed the chaos that he had caused.

It was Hagrid that started the domino effect. When he heard Harry's voice he began running towards his friends bed only to have one of his enormous sized hands to come in contact with a tray of potions that Pomfrey had set up for Harry, making the whole contents crash down into the floor and make the surface seriously slippery. It was Ron who found this out the hard way, for as he was running round to Harry's side, slipped and fell on his tail bone letting out a girlish scream that could match any first year, but unfortunately for Ginny she was the one closest to her brother as he was falling and went down as well due to the saying 'If I'm going down, then your going down with me' so with Ron and a very angry Ginny stranded on the floor covered in different sorts of potions, Remus, Crystal and the instigator of the proceedings Hagrid moved forward to help pick them up.

That was all that Harry saw due to the fact that Hermione had lunged herself at him and was now lying directly on top of him with her arms around his neck and her beautiful long curly brown hair covering his face, therefore making him lose his vision of the others. He then felt a soft whisper in right ear.

'Oh Harry, don't ever leave me alone again' Hermione pleaded.

Harry didn't know what to think, lying on top of him was Hermione, his friend… or was she?

All things may not seem as they appear

Hang on. That's the last thing Merlin said to me, thought Harry and then he understood what his old mentor was trying to teach him. Merlin you cheeky little bastard, you knew that I loved Hermione, you just wanted me to get back with my friends... Hmm, thankyou Merlin, you taught me a lot more than conjuring a fireball.

Harry then whispered back to Hermione in her left ear.

'I promise I'll never leave you again Hermione.'

Hermione then lifted her head off Harry's shoulder and stared directly into his eyes, once again chocolate met emeralds and there was no way of breaking the connection.

I've got to do it, I have to tell her, thought Harry.

I've got to do it, I have to tell him, thought Hermione.

'Herm-'

'Har-'

They spoke at the same time.

'Oh you go first' they both said at the same time again.

They then shared blushing smiles, and finally so not to embarrass themselves anymore they broke eye contact and looked somewhere else.

But the next course of action just made them more uncomfortable.

Because both of them looked the same way at the exactly same time and because their heads were so close together, as they turned, their lips lightly grazed each other and sent a chill down both of their spines. And also in Harry's case, instead of fireworks, he made mini lightning bolts go off around the room, which thankfully brought everyone back to their senses.

'Bloody hell Harry, watch what your doing?' shouted Ron who had just collected a mini lightning bolt in his rear.

'Oops sorry Ron' he then looked back at Hermione and met her eyes, 'just a little excited.' This made Hermione's heart beat ten times its normal pace.

'What got you so flippin excited?'

Harry wasn't expecting this and started to sputter.

'We-Well its just th-that I'm gl-ad to… eerrr.'

'You're glad that your awake aren't you Harry?' said Dumbledore, giving Harry a sly wink.

'Err yes that's it, I'm glad I'm awake' he then noticed that everyone, minus himself, Hermione and Dumbledore were sprawled on the ground, but Hermione beat him to ask the question.

'What are you all doing on the floor?' she asked with raised eyebrows, her face still held a little bit of its earlier blush.

'Well it's all thanks to Ronald here Hermione' said Crystal, whilst slapping Ron over the back of the head. 'When we tried to help him and Ginny up all he did was pull everyone down with him.'

Hermione and Harry couldn't help but laugh at the group trying hopelessly to get up off the slippery floor, it looked as though Dumbledore was having a good chuckle himself.

'Oh this is stupid, are we or are we not witches and wizards?' Ginny shouted angrily, she then pulled out her wand. 'Evanesco' the spilled potions had now disappeared, 'there now someone help me get away from my fool of a brother.'

In not even thinking Harry pulled off his covers, walked over to the stranded girls and picked Ginny and Crystal off the floor.

'Thankyou Ha-Ha-Harry' the girls said whilst turning away and blushing like madmen.

'Harry what are those things on your body?' asked Remus Lupin.

It was then that Harry realised that he wasn't wearing anything but a pair of boxers, and realised that that was why Ginny and Crystal were acting oddly, he then wondered what Hermione's reaction was so he turned his head around and saw that Hermione was nowhere to be seen.

'Hey where's Hermione?'

'Harry perhaps you should throw some clothes on and come and help me' Dumbledore said from behind his bed with a smirk on his face.

With a wave of his hand Harry was dressed in a pair of grey pants and green shirt which was covered with a dark black robe, he then walked behind his bed and found Dumbledore kneeling over the pale form of Hermione.

'What happened professor? Is she alright?' said Harry sliding down next to Hermione's side.

'Yes Harry, Hermione is perfectly fine, she has just fainted.'

'What?'

'Well it seems as though you gave Miss Granger's heart quite a turn when you hopped out of your bed just now' Dumbledore said while he smile grew larger and larger.

'O' was all Harry could say.

'Now why don't you wake her up?'

'How?' asked Harry.

'Dear me Harry are you an Elemental or not? Splash her with water, shock her with a lightning bolt, do something' pressured Dumbledore hoping to see more of Harry's special power.

'Well I'm not going to make her wet and I'm definitely not going to shock her… I know.'

Harry the held his index finger out over Hermione's lips and let a single ice droplet fall off his finger and slip in between them. After that it only took seconds for Hermione's eye lids to flutter open.

'Wh-What happened wh-where am I?' said Hermione groggily.

'It's alright Miss Granger, you just fainted, you are in the hospital wing with Mr Potter' said Dumbledore helping to pick up the dazed girl.

'Hermione are you alright' asked Harry.

Hermione then lifted her head and once again met Harry's eyes.

'What happened?'

'Professor Dumbledore told you Hermione, you fainted' said Harry hoping that Hermione didn't lose her memory or something.

'I know' said Hermione, regaining some of her usual bossy self, 'I mean what happened to you… last night.'

'That is a very good question Miss Granger, one that I'm sure we would all like to hear, so why don't you lie down here and Harry can tell us' Dumbledore then led Hermione over to the bed next to Harry's where Ron was waiting for her.

While this was happening Harry went to greet his old friend.

'Remus, it's good to see you again. How are you?'

'Very well Harry, I see that you've done some growing up while you were away…..' he then added softly, 'I thought you were dead Harry' Remus then moved forward and gathered Harry in a rough fatherly hug.

'Oh come on Remus, you should no that it would take more than a few deadly curses to get rid of the Boy-Who-Lived.'

'Well I know that now don't I?' said Lupin now pulling away from the hug and looking Harry up and down. 'Now would you care to answer my earlier question about what those marks were on your body and also where you've been for the past two years?'

Harry then explained his Elemental story to Remus, starting with how Merlin had picked him up at the Dursleys, and then how they both travelled the world learning all his elements and how he had animagus forms and guardians and how that his tattoos meant that he controlled the element, then finished his story with telling Remus and his friends who had once again listened to his story about the cell he built in Azkaban and finally telling them about the fight at the ministry last night and how him and his guardians kicked some arse.

'What are you talking about Harry' said Ron who was sitting beside Hermione, with an arm around her waist, 'it doesn't say anything in the prophet about Taipan and Tallis helping you.'

'Ah yes, that's where me and a few order members came in' said Dumbledore with a serious frown on his face. 'We didn't want certain to learn about Harry's abilities so we erased the part about Harry's guardians out of everyone's mind.'

'What do you mean it doesn't say anything in the prophet Ron?' said Harry curiously.

'Here take a look for yourself' Ron then threw a copy that he had snatched off a 1st year Slytherin to Harry.

Harry read the article and was sad to hear that Fudge had died but quickly dismissed it when he heard all of the stupid laws that he had passed while being away. He laughed when he saw who had written the article to.

'Rita Skeeter, I thought she looked at me as though I was an attention seeking prat' chuckled Harry, but became serious with his next question. 'So who's going to get the top job now?'

'Well where not sure yet but nominations will be taken next week' answered Dumbledore. 'Now Harry would you like to tell us what happened last night after you left my office last night.'

'What, oh yeah, well I just finished an interesting conversation with a ghost when my scar hurt, and I passed out.'

'Do you know what cause your scar to hurt' asked Lupin.

'Yeah it was Voldemort, he was mighty angry after last night. I know because I got a vision of him, he was handing out Cruciatus curses to all the Death Eaters that fled the Ministry. I think in some way I felt the curses and it just made me black out with pain, but no lasting harm done, I'm back to normal now.'

'Do you know how many curses he gave before you passed out Harry?' asked Dumbledore fearfully.

'Well he was giving them out pretty quickly but I s'pose about 40' he then stopped at seeing everyone's shocked faces. 'What… are you guys alright?'

'No wonder you were screaming?' said Ginny in an awed voice.

'What do you mean, were you in the hallway Ginny? Were you the one to find me?' said Harry curiously.

'No Harry, no one was in the hallway' said Dumbledore still in shock. 'I was the one who found you after I heard you screaming, you were heard all over the castle Harry. When I found you, you were passed out and had blood running down from you scar.'

'Its true Harry, yer even woke up o'le me an Fang down in me hut' said Hagrid.

SILENCE.

Harry thought about what the people were saying. I didn't even realise I was screaming.

He was woken out of his thoughts though by a huge hand slapping him on the back.

'Sorry Harry but I best be gettin off to class, get some rest now' Hagrid said whilst walking out the doors of the hospital.

Yes I'm afraid I'll have to be getting of as well Harry' said Lupin, 'but don't worry I have a feeling will be seeing a lot more of each other' he then turned round and gave Harry a wink before leaving.

I wonder what that was about, thought Harry.

'Yes well Harry, I think you should probably spend today here and then when you're free come up to my office tonight and we'll have another little chat. And as for the rest of you, I'm sure your professors will excuse you for being late, just tell them you were with me.'

'Umm professor Dumbledore could we meet tomorrow night? It's just that I promised my friends that I'd come and watch their quidditch practice, oh and one more thing professor, could you have someone put my old bed in the Gryffindor Dormitories, I think I'd like to return.'

'As you wish Harry, I'll have Dobby do that straight away and I expect to see you tomorrow night' he said with a twinkle in his eye, he then turned and left the five friends together.

Ginny was the first to move as she walked forward, stepped up on her tip toes and gave Harry a kiss on the cheek.

'What was that for?' asked a smiling Harry.

'That was a thankyou for saving Dad and Katie, they would have died if you didn't go to the Ministry last night. Well thankyou' she then walked briskly away with Shydan quickly following her heals.

'Yeah thanks Harry' Ron said continuing Ginny's speech. 'I hope you don't mind that I don't kiss you but I just wanted to say thanks as well for saving Dad, and I'm sure you'll get your own little thanks message from Fred for saving his girlfriend' then he stuck out his hand and shook Harry's, 'I guess I'll see you after practice then' and he left quickly to mumbling something about leftovers.

Crystal then said she'd better go and make sure he doesn't choke on anything, and with a wave goodbye left Harry and Hermione alone in the hospital wing.

'Sooooo' said Harry, not really sure what to say.

'Yeahhhh' replied Hermione. 'Listen Harry, what were you going to say before?'

'O nothing, what were you going to say?'

'O nothing. Well I s'pose I better get to class, I've got potions first and I don't want to be in trouble with Snape' Hermione said whilst moving ever so slowly towards Harry, finally stopping so that their bodies were only inches away from each other.

'Yeah I don't want you to get in trouble with Snape' said Harry not really taking notice in what he was saying, he was only really focused on Hermione's lips.

They were drawing closer, both were looking deep into each others eyes but their lips were acting like magnets, centimetres, millimetres….

'Mr Potter, has everyone left yet and let me run my own profession?' Madam Pomfrey shrieked from her office.

Harry swore he could have frozen the women right there and then. You stupid old bat.

'I should probably get going' Hermione said softly, 'bye Harry.'

'Good bye Hermione, I'll see you tonight.'

Hermione didn't answer but walked away with a smile forming on her face.

'Ah good they all left did th-' said Pomfrey before she was frozen by Harry's staff.

Harry could only laugh as he looked at the matron frozen in front.

'What can I say' Harry said whilst walking out towards the corridors. 'You interrupted something I've been wanting for a long time, what did you expect' he was closing the doors now and just before he shut them completely he took his freezing charm off Madam Pomfrey.

'-ey…. Mr Potter, where did you go?'

Later That Night, Quidditch Pitch

Hermione was sitting in the stands of the Quidditch pitch watching her housemates fly around, chasing snitches and quaffles and dodging bludgers when her eyes flickered towards the ground where she saw a white wolf looking up following one certain player. It only took a few moments for Hermione to realise that the wolf that was secretly watching Colin Creevey, Seeker for Gryffindor, was none other than Harry Potter in his animagus form.

Poor Harry I'm sure he'd love to be up there flying with his friends, thought Hermione. Maybe I can convince him somehow.

She was disturbed from her thoughts when Ron, Ginny and Crystal landed on their broom sticks next to her in the stands.

'Well that wasn't too bad, I think we could really give Slytherin a run for the cup this year' Ron said to Ginny and Crystal who both played chasers on the team.

'Yeah well of course you're having fun aren't you' spat Ginny, 'your on a broom that's about 5 times faster than the new Nimbus 3000, while I'm still riding Charlie's old Shooting Star… I wish I had a new broom-'

'Be careful what you wish for Gin, or it might come true' said Harry from somewhere above them.

'Harry? Where are you?' said Ginny, kinking her neck in her desperate search for the invisible man.

'Well I'm right in front of you' said Harry who was literally standing in front of Ginny.

'How did you do that?' asked Ron stupidly.

'You know how to become invisible don't you Harry' said Hermione awestruck, 'is that how you've been catching all those Death Eaters?'

'No' Harry said seriously, 'I fight my fights in the open, I am not a coward, I do not hide.'

'O, sorry' said Hermione sheepishly.

'It's alright, if I wasn't a Gryffindor and someone like Malfoy I probably would use an invisibility charm to fight' said Harry trying to lighten the mood.

'Hey speaking of Malfoy, I always wanted to know what you did with him when you put him in the lake' said Crystal.

'Oh well gather round and I shall tell ye the old English tale of how Malfoy came to meet the Giant Squid' said Harry his eyes brightening up in remembrance.

'You didn't' said Ginny, with an evil grin appearing on her face.

'Ah but I did' replied Harry. 'You see after I picked Malfoy up in my Unicorn form I took him to the lake. There I transformed into my human self and quickly stunned him and then put a permanent oxygen charm on him, then I transformed into my Otter form and with the help of Lockyer we took him down to the bottom of the lake, there I once again transformed into my human self and called for the Giant Squid with my telepathic ability, I spoke to it and asked it to watch Malfoy till I came back, I then un stunned Malfoy and watch him scream bloody murder at seeing the huge squid in front of him. It didn't take to long for him to faint-' at this statement Harry saw Hermione's cheek glow with a pink blush, but continued.

'- so after that I left him and came up to meet you guys. Then after we finished our little meeting I went back to the lake and brought him back to the hall. The Squid did tell me that Malfoy did wake up once but after the Squid moved forward bearing its teeth he went back to being passed out.'

Harry then laughed along with everyone else after he finished, he laughed even harder when Ron ended up falling down again, this time taking Crystal with him, but it wasn't this that wads funny but the position in what they were in, Crystal was blushing furiously as she tried to get off Ron's lap but it seemed as though an unknown force was holding her down in place, and by the look on Ron's face he didn't seem to mind.

Once Crystal did get up though, she, Ginny and Hermione shared hopeful glances, unbeknown to the two boys was that the three girls had formed a little match maker club where they all knew who the other liked and were trying to help them get together.

'So where were you today Harry? We came back to the hospital at lunch time but Pomfrey didn't say anything, she just kept mumbling about how she'd better not see you in the hospital wing again' said Ron, trying to move the topic along.

'Ah I'm afraid your going to have to wait till tomorrow Ron, I'm sure it will all be in the Daily Prophet' Harry said with a spark bouncing through his eyes.

'Harry you didn't go chasing more Death Eaters did you' Hermione asked worriedly.

'No I didn't go chasing them, I spoke to one that I had already caught' he then got quizzical looks from all present. 'Now listen I'm not going to tell you anymore, where getting off topic, I came here tonight to apologize for the way I've been avoiding you all since I came back, I just had to deal with some thoughts of mine, but luckily there all out of the way now, so I just wanted to say sorry.'

SILENCE.

'Apology accepted' shouted all of Harry's friends cheerfully.

'Now let's get you back to your old home' said Ron, 'I've got to tell you mate, Gryffindor tower hasn't been the same since you left.'

The five friends then made their way back through the castle and stopped before the Fat Lady.

'Password' she said lazily.

'Harry, if you could be so kind and tell the nice woman the password' said Hermione with a grin on her lips.

'What are you talking about Hermione? I don't know the password' said Harry stupidly.

'I'll give you a hint then, what type of Dragon is Taipan?'

'He's a Hungarian Horntail bu-'

'Correct' said the Fat Lady before she swung on her hinges and admitted the five friends.

Harry was the last to walk through the open portrait, as soon as he stepped through the threshold he nearly felt like crying. It was exactly as he remembered it, in the corner were students working in groups or by themselves on single tables, on the other side of the room were all the soft cushioned sofa's and chairs surrounding a roaring fire.

'I'm finally home' said Harry softly.

The friends than shared goodbyes at the foot of the dormitory stairs and went to bed, Harry walked up the boys stairs with Ron to find that his roommates, Dean, Seamus and Neville weren't there.

'Welcome back mate' Ron said whilst slapping Harry on the back.

Harry then found that all his belongings were already on his bed, shrunken of course.

'Thanks professor' Harry said before he got into his pyjamas and went to bed, having his first dreamless sleep since he came back.

It was breakfast time and Harry, due to his training regime, was already present at the Gryffindor table eating bacon and eggs.

'Hey mate what are you doing up so early' said the voice of Ron off in the near distance.

Harry turned round to see that all of his friends were walking towards him and then watched as they all sat around him, Ron and Hermione on either side of him and Crystal and Ginny on the side of the table directly opposite the old trio.

'Ahh you know just the usual, err, oh look here comes the Daily Prophet' said Harry trying to change the topic to the brown owl that was flying down towards Hermione, who quickly grabbed the paper and payed the owl, she was most intrigued in what Harry said would be in the Daily Prophet.

It didn't take her long to find out though, for as soon as she unfurled the paper she caught site of the headline and began to start crying.

'Hermione, what is it?' Ginny asked worriedly after she saw Hermione crying.

But Hermione didn't answer her, she just put down the paper and threw her arms around Harry.

'What is it Gin?' asked Ron who saw that Ginny had now grabbed the paper and she to was holding back her own tears.

'Sirius's name has been cleared' he heard her sob.

'What? How?' asked Ron

Harry decided to answer Ron's questions seeing as though no one else would, he untangled Hermione's arms from around his neck and spoke.

'Well Ron, you know how I said I was visiting a Death Eater, it was Wormtail, but I didn't visit him alone, I took Amelia Bones, she's the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and with her and the use of Veritaserum we interrogated Wormtail and he spilled all the beans about how he betrayed my parents and killed those 13 muggles.'

'Oh Harry I'm so proud of you' said Hermione wiping away her tears.

'Yeah Harry, Sirius would be grateful' said Ron.

But little did they know that that was not the only surprise they would be getting, and as if on cue Emmeris and Hedwig, Harry's first friend came flying through the hall carrying 3 cylinder packages each.

Emmeris first flew down and deposited her packages to: Seamus Finnigan, Parvati Patil and Neville Longbottom.

Hedwig though had flown forward a bit further along the Gryffindor table and given her first package to a stunned Colin Creevey, then after depositing the her first one flew forward towards Crystal and Ginny and let go of the gifts, then with her job done she flew over to perch herself on Harry's shoulder, his left side for Emmeris who had already done her job had perched on his right.

Harry could only smile as he watched the Gryffindor Quidditch team open his gifts.

'Harry what are these?' Ginny asked shakily.

'I'm not sure, you'll have to open them and find out.'

By now the whole school was watching as the Gryffindor team opened their presents.

It was Ginny who first felt brave enough to open the long cylinder, but once she did her jaw dropped as she watched as a Purple Fire in the shape of a broom slide out of the cylinder.

'I hope you like them' said Harry relishing in his friends shocked faces.

'HARRY' Seamus shouted from down the table, 'ARE YOU TRYING TO BURN US?' he asked as he pointed to a broom of fire in front of him, it was not purple like Ginny, Crystal or Parvati's but was orange and yellow like Neville's and Colin's.

'They won't burn you I promise' and then seeing that his house mates didn't believe him he thought he better back his words. So he leaned forward and picked up Ginny's broom, he then felt as the flames danced and licked over his hands.

'See there completely harmless, except when you're riding them in the air' he added with a smirk.

He then handed the broom back to Ginny who took it in her hands cautiously, but calm down when she felt a warm spread through her.

'Harry they're beautiful' said Parvati who had come over with her purple broom when she realised it would not hurt her.

'Yeah Harry thanks heaps, they must have cost you heaps, I haven't even seen them advertised in Quality Quidditch Supplies' said Seamus who had joined Parvati's side with Neville and Colin.

'It's alright guys, they did not cost a Knut, I made them, just like I made Ron's broom, you guys are holding the only brooms of that kind in the whole world. Just promise me one thing though… make sure you use them to give Slytherin a good beating for me in the first game of the season' said Harry with a burning passion in his eyes.

'Don't get your hopes up Potter' spoke the sneering voice of Draco Malfoy, 'due to the sickness that you put my team under in that stupid little duel, Slytherin wont be playing Gryffindor next week but you'll be playing Hufflepuff.'

'WHAT?' shouted Ron.

'You heard me Weasel, good luck against the Badgers then' and with that he walked out of the great hall being followed by the fine and healthy Slytherin Quidditch team.

'That little shit' spat Ron, 'his players are fine, now that means I have to change our whole plans and moves' and with that he walked out of the hall in a monstrous rage.

The players said that they were going to go take their brooms up to the Gryffindor tower just so no one would try to sabotage them, which ended up leaving Harry alone with Hermione, Emmeris and Hedwig.

'That was really nice of you Harry, it doesn't matter what you do, you keep surprising me' said Hermione fondly.

'Well there are still a couple of surprises left up my sleeves Hermione, one that you should probably find out about tomorrow' said Harry thinking about the Ice sculpture that's sitting in the Granger's backyard, 'and the other I'll tell you now. Now are you ready?'

Hermione just smiled and nodded enthusiastically.

'Well, I'm taking Hedwig back.'

'Wh-, Oh ok' said Hermione softly, losing her smile and staring at her plate, she had become rather close to the owl over the two years Harry was gone and now she would have no one.

'But' Harry continued, reaching down and pulling Hermione's chin back up with his hand, 'seeing as though Hedwig told me that you were so kind and gentle to her, that she told me that she did not want you to be alone, so that's where a very good friend of mine wanted to help' he then reached up to his shoulder and brought Emmeris down in front of Hermione's sparkling eyes. 'Emmeris this is Hermione, Hermione meet Emmeris… your new pet Phoenix.'

/Friend Harry, I am not a pet/ said Emmeris stubbornly.

'Sorry Hermione, meet your new friend.'

'Are you serious Harry' cried Hermione.

'I'm serious Hermione, Emmeris will make a perfect new friend for you, and I know I'm leaving her in good hands' both Hedwig and Emmeris gave encouraging nods of their heads.

'Oh thankyou so much Harry' and she moved forward and gave Harry a kiss on the cheek, she lingered for a while as if never wanting to leave, but finally common sense prevailed and she leaned back and stroked Emmeris's feathers.

I wish this dance would hurry up, thought Harry as he thought of the gift that he had been making just for Hermione.

It seemed as though Harry was not the only one anticipating the dance, for everyone knew that after the Quidditch game next week would be the first of the two balls that they were promised this year.

Yes indeed, this will be a very interesting week.

Harry was right with his prediction to. The whole of Hogwarts was eagerly expecting the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff but even more excited about the ball that would follow the match. Girls would swarm the corridors like bees trying to find their Prince Charming, and even though Dumbledore had told the girls that Harry was coming alone, they still took every opportunity to come up to him and ask him about his classes or whether he wanted to go to the next Hogsmeade weekend with them.

All Harry could do was avoid Hermione's secret glares and politely decline. Other than that, Harry was quickly getting back into his old routine, he kept his promise to Hermione, and in so doing didn't leave her to go catch Death Eaters, it was only when she went to bed did Harry take action and leave Hogwarts to hunt Lord Voldemorts supporters and it was up until breakfast the day before the Quidditch match that Harry was found out.

'HARRY JAMES POTTER, YOU DESPICABLE LITTLE LIAR!'

'Oops, I think she's found out' he whispered to Crystal, who Harry had become rather close to over the past week.

'Aww you think' she replied sarcastically.

'Well what do you have to say for yourself?' Hermione shouted again.

'Now listen Hermione I don't know what you're talking about' said Harry, hoping he sounded convincing.

'Oh you don't, do you? Well maybe this should help you' said Hermione, whilst throwing the mornings Daily Prophet at Harry's head.

He only needed to see the front page to know that he had been finally caught. The main headline read.

Harry Potter Still Hunting The Hunters

'Ok Hermione, I'm sorry, what can I do to make it up to you' said Harry sincerely.

You can kiss me you big idiot, thought Hermione, wishing that Crystal would hurry up and tell Ron how she feels, that way she could attack Harry, then she thought about something that she did want.

'Alright, to make it up to me, tell me what the Ice sculpture you sent to my parents was?'

'What? How did you find out about that?' said Harry flabbergasted.

'They sent me a letter, the day after you made that sly comment on saying that you had a lot of surprises up your sleeves. Now tell me what is because they said I had to wait till the Christmas holidays to find out' Hermione pouted the pulled her best impersonation of a puppy dog look.

Geez she looks cute like that, thought Harry, I wish I could just kiss those big pouty lips, then realised that he had been staring to long.

'Then your just going to have to wait till Christmas then aren't you?' replied Harry enjoying watching Hermione pout even more.

'Hey Harry.'

Harry looked round and saw Padma Patil standing behind him.

'Oh Hello Padma, what can I do for you?' asked Harry.

'Well I was wondering what colour your dress robes were, the ones that you'll be wearing tomorrow night at the ball?'

'Oh umm, black I suppose, why.'

'Oh no reason, alright then bye' she then skipped off back over to the Ravenclaw table were she started sharing her gossip with all the girls at her table.

'What was that all about?' asked Harry confusedly.

That little tramp, thought Hermione.

Seeing as though Hermione wasn't going to answer Crystal stepped in.

'That Harry was Padma Patil asking you what colour your robes would be so she could match them.'

'Well it's a good thing I lied to her isn't it?' said Harry letting out a deep breath.

'What, do you mean your not wearing black?' asked Hermione, a smile flickering across her face.

'Yep, my dress robes are going to remain a secret till the ball, speaking of which…. Who are you guys going with?' he said the last part sadly.

'Well Hermione's going with Ron and I'm going with Seamus' said Crystal without gusto.

'Oh, well you guys should have fun' said Harry, looking back down at his plate.

'But don't worry Harry me and Hermione are going to come and find you during the night, you don't think where going to pass up the chance to dance with the great Harry Potter do you?' said Crystal, trying to lighten the mood.

'I can't wait, just think how many girls I'm going to dance with' said Harry almost feeling what his feet were going to be like after the ball.

'I don't think it will be that bad Harry' said Ginny who had just joined the group, 'remember to save a dance for me' she added with a smirk.

'I'll make you a deal, I'll only dance with you if you win tomorrow' said Harry teasingly.

'You better watch out Harry' said Ron who had sat down and made the group complete. 'You should see how your new brooms go, there nearly as fast as my lightning bolt, the whole team looks as though where just seven blurs moving up and down the pitch, so I'd expect Ginny to be getting a lot of dances out of you.'

'Ron you idiot, I wont be bothering Harry all night, I have my own date to dance with' said Ginny quietly, blush filling her cheeks.

'Who? Who's going taking you to the ball' Ron said holding his knife threateningly.

'I'm not telling you, you're just going to have to find out tomorrow night' and with that she walked back out the hall.

'And who are you taking' Ron continued pointing his knife at Crystal.

'Seamus, Ron, do you have a problem with that?' said Crystal, hoping she was making the fiery red head jealous.

It looked as though her plan worked to because Ron started combing the hall with his eyes in search of Seamus.

'Why would you go with him?' mumbled Ron.

'What was that Ron' asked Harry.

'Nothing. Come on lets go, you've got Potions don't you?'

'Yeah your right, come on Hermione or will be late' Harry then dragged Hermione off down into the dungeons.

Harry and Hermione then spent the Potions class working together on the Lorpendis potion. It was a potion that was mostly studied in Dark Art schools considering its effects, which acted exactly nearly the same way as the Cruciatus curse, it wasn't illegal, but it was still highly dangerous as professor Snape heard from many members of the class.

'The next student that wishes to say something about the Lorpendis potion will have the duty of testing every single potion at the end of class, is that understood?' spat Snape, all he got were meagre nods. 'Good now begin.'

So the class worked in the bubbling silence of the dungeons, every now and then stirring their cauldrons.

There was only a few minutes left to go in the class, Harry and Hermione's potion was perfect in colour and texture and they were very pleased with themselves, even thinking they were going to get an outstanding mark… they were wrong.

'POTTER' shouted Snape catching the whole class off guard. 'Did I just hear you say something about the Lorpendis potion?'

'What? No. I haven't said a thing all lesson, Sir' Harry said in self defence.

'You're lying Potter, I heard you, Mr Malfoy, did you not hear Potter speaking about the Lorpendis potion?'

Harry knew it wasn't good for him as soon as he saw Malfoy's gleeful look on his face.

'Yes professor Snape, I heard Potter, does that mean he has to test the potions like you said sir?'

'Yes indeed Mr Malfoy, once again Potter has broken the rules, and this time he must suffer the consequences. Come up here Potter and be my lab rat, so to speak' Snape was really enjoying this, he was hoping Harry would start yelling and he would get the chance to give the Gryffindor some detentions.

'Professor Snape, you can't do this, the potion is dangerous' shouted Hermione indignantly.

'Quiet Miss Granger and 20 points from Gryffindor for yelling in my class' sneered Snape.

Hermione felt a hand entwine with her and felt a soft breath in her ear.

'It's alright Hermione, don't worry' said Harry soothingly. He then got up and to the shock of the class walked to the front of the dungeon in front of Snape.

'What are you doing Potter?' hissed Snape.

'I'm here to accept my punishment sir, you did hear me speaking about the Lorpendis potion did you not?' said Harry calmly.

Snape wasn't expecting this, he just expected Harry to start yelling his head off.

'In-Indeed I did Potter' Snape said regaining some of his cool. 'Mr Malfoy, fill a vial full of your potion and give it to me.'

Malfoy looked as though his birthday had come early. He like Hermione was one of the top potion makers in the class and he knew that his potion was perfect and therefore would give the most effects of the potion, so he quickly filled a vial and handed it to professor Snape.

'Thankyou Mr Malfoy, 20 points to Slytherin' Snape said with a smirk, but lost his smart arse face when he saw that Harry was smirking as well.

'Thankyou Snape, would you just like me to drink that now, or would you like to wrap it up and give it to me as a present?' said Harry still smirking and without even waiting for an answer he grabbed the vial and downed it in two gulps.

'Ah very good' said Harry smacking his lips, 'now that was a very interesting lesson but I'm afraid its made me rather hungry, so I guess I'll see you up at lunch.'

Harry then turned around and went back to his table where he helped pack up Hermione's and his things and then grabbed a awed Hermione by the robes and dragged her out of the dungeons without looking back at the flabbergasted class.

After the door finally closed Snape interrogated Malfoy.

'Malfoy did you make this potion correctly' he shouted angrily.

'Yes I'm positive sir' replied a scared Draco.

'Fill another vial and let me test it you little whelp' said Snape, not knowing that in the near future he would regret his actions.

Harry and Hermione had made it halfway up the dungeons when they stopped after hearing a torturous scream.

'So the git decided to test it' said Harry, through gritted teeth.

'Harry what's going on? Who's scream-… Harry, Harry are you alright?' screamed Hermione running to Harry's crouching form.

'No not really' Harry gasped out, 'it's just the effects of the potion… could you take me up to my dormitory… I need to lie down for a bit…'

'Of course Harry, here come on' Hermione then used an unusual amount of strength to pick up Harry and take him up to Gryffindor tower.

Lucky classes were still going or a lot of unneeded attention might have slowed the two down. It was exactly when they made it through the portrait of the Fat Lady when the bell for lunch finally rang, Hermione then took Harry up to his dormitory and laid Harry down on his bed.

'Thanks Hermione, I owe you one' said Harry, on the border of hitting unconsciousness.

'It's alright Harry, just try and get some rest' Hermione then leaned down and lightly kissed Harry's forehead.

SILENCE

Harry finally slipped blackness.

'I love you Harry Potter' Hermione whispered to the sleeping form of Harry. She then turned round and went down to lunch. Not knowing that the next time she would see Harry would be at the Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff the next day.

Harry woke up groggily the next morning to find an empty dormitory.

'How the bloody hell did I get here?' Harry said out loud. He then remembered yesterday's activities of the Lorpendis potion and quietly chuckled to himself, he reminded himself to thank Hermione when he saw her next, he then remembered what today was and he quickly checked his watch.

'Shit' he cursed, 'trust me to miss the first quidditch match of the season.'

He then ran down the dormitory steps and out through the portrait of the Fat Lady knocking a couple of first years down in the process, after a couple of quick apologies he ran down through the Hogwarts halls and corridors and a few well chosen secret passage ways to end up outside the castle. He then thought of a quicker way to get to the quidditch pitch, so he transformed into his black Unicorn animagus form. He then broke into a fierce gallop towards the pitch.

He made very good time arriving but he was perhaps a little to quick, for when he arrived he ran onto the pitch before he could stop himself, the teams weren't playing yet but in the middle getting ready to take flight.

Ron and the Hufflepuff captain Zacharias Smith were in the middle of shacking hands when Harry made his grand entrance. Once Ron saw Harry in his Unicorn form he gave a broad smile and told his team to look around and once they did they each wore the same grin as Ron, especially Ginny and Crystal.

Harry quickly transformed back to his human self and apologized to both teams and ran off the pitch with everyone staring at him. He was at the side of the pitch when he heard a loud call form up in the stands.

'AY HARRY COME UP ERE AN JOIN YER HOUSEMATES' bellowed Hagrid, making the small children surrounding him cower in fear.

Harry took up the invitation and made his way up to the stands, when he finally reached the top he saw Hagrid beaming at him as well as Hermione and Lavender Brown, the only ones in the 7th year who didn't play Quidditch for Gryffindor, Dean Thomas took over the commentator's job after Lee Jordan left in his 7th year.

Harry smiled back and sat in between Hermione and a very rosy cheeked Lavender. He was going to thank Hermione about yesterday when Dean's magnified voice filled the air.

'Welcome Hogwarts, to the first match of the Quidditch season. Due to the apparent sickness of the Slytherin team (jeers went up throughout three quarters of the crowd). Today's fixture will see Gryffindor play Hufflepuff. Gryffindor will line up like this. Playing Chasers are Ginny Weasley, Crystal Fletcher and my good mate Seamus Finnigan, lining up at Beaters will be Neville Longbottom and the very good looking Parvati Patil-.'

'Thomas' snapped professor McGonagall, she once again saw it her duty to oversee the commentary, 'you will commentate the game and not use this time to comment on what girls you think are good looking, now continue.'

'Yes professor' said Dean. 'Right now where was I, yes that's it, lining up at Keeper today is Ron Weasley also captain of Gryffindor and lastly the Seeker for Gryffindor (a few people turned in the seats to look expectantly at Harry) is Colin Creevey. And just look at those brooms that they are all carrying, a gift from retired Seeker Harry Potter, I'm not sure how they go but we should be able to see momentarily. But first let me introduce the Hufflepuff side, Chasers today will be Captain Zacharias Smith, Susan Bones and Allan Langer. Beaters are Ernie Macmillan and Dustin Abbott, lining up at Keeper will be Justin Finch-Fletchley and the Seeker for Hufflepuff is Alex Summerby.'

The crowd cheered there respective teams and watched as Madam Hooch was about to release the quaffle.

'And there off' shouted Dean, 'Fletcher with the quaffle for the mighty lions, she back passes to Finnigan who swerves spectacularly to dodge an oncoming bludger, I'll tell you what folks it looks as though the brooms that Harry Potter has given to the Gryffindor team look marvellous, but back with Finnigan who is leaving what looks to be a fire trail behind as he soars up the pitch, he's approaching the scoring area, he throws the quaffle to Ginny Weasley who punches the large red ball through the nearest hoop, GRYFFINDOR SCORES, that's the first goal of the match and Gryffindor lead 10-0.'

After the first ten minutes of the game it looked to everybody (even the Hufflepuff supporters) as though the game would be a pushover for the Gryffindor, Harry's Elemental brooms were just too quick for the poor Hufflepuffs who were only riding Cleansweep 11. They could just not buy a goal, every time they would approach Ron's end he would just make easy saves.

'And Smith once again has his shot saved by his opposite captain, the score still stays the same at Gryffindor 130 to Hufflepuffs 0, Weasley now launches the quaffle down the pitch to find an unmarked Fletcher who swiftly grabs it and- LOOKOUT CRYSTAL'

But she was to late the bludger that was sent by Dustin Abbott had already done its damage, catching her in the stomach which made her drop the quaffle and her broom altogether, it was probably a good thing that she wasn't to high above the ground and her fall was a short one.

'Gryffindor Chaser Crystal Fletcher has taken a nasty blow to the stomach which has made her lose control of both quaffle and broom and is now lying on the pitch, but I cant see, is she alright? What's this, Ron Weasley is leaving his keeping duties and flying down to help his team mate- and I don't believe it, Alex Summerby and Colin Creevey are both in a dive heading for the Golden snitch. They're neck and neck folks, surely Weasley would call a timeout having two players out but he seems to be to concerned with his Chaser, but it hasn't stopped Creevey or Summerby who are closing in on the ground fast, and… NO, Summerby grabs the snitch and wins the game for Hufflepuff, final score, 150-130 to Hufflepuff. But wait it looks as though Creevey was travelling to fast and has crashed into the ground at a ferocious pace. Hang on where did Harry come from.'

As soon as Harry saw Crystal crash, he didn't know whether he should go and help or just wait and see if she would get up, he didn't think on it for to long though as he watched Ron leave his place and fly down to Crystal. He then turned and saw that Hermione had a huge grin on her face, not knowing if she was happy that Crystal had got hurt or not Harry didn't really know but didn't think much of it after he watched the two Seekers fly towards the snitch.

Oh bugger it, thought Harry as he already knew what the outcome would be, but what he wasn't expecting, was for Colin to not pull up and crash. Without thinking he stood up.

'Mione' he said, as he called for his staff. As soon as the staff was in his hand he vanished from his seat in the stand and appeared at Colin's side a second later. He then kneeled down to the unconscious Seeker, he didn't even notice as over 1000 gasps went throughout the crowd.

'Colin' he shouted whilst shaking Colin's body. 'Colin come on wake up.'

Still nothing…

Harry then thought he better find out what was wrong with him, so he raised his staff over the limp form and began a chant much like the one he used on Ron back in the Care of Magical Creatures class where Malfoy cursed Ron. But instead of a bright blue sphere appearing, an orange one covered Harry and Colin, and slowly Harry received information on what was wrong with him.

Colin had a punctured lung, a broken left forearm and four broken ribs.

Geez, that's a lot, thought Harry, ah well better get to work before he stops breathing.

With a wave of his staff he made the orange sphere disappear and began a healing spell that he learnt down at the bottom of the Pacific Ocean in his training. As he spoke the last word of the spell, Colin's body rose a few feet off the ground and began to glow with a purple colour.

Harry was unaware of all the awed stares that he was receiving from both professors and students, as he continued with great concentration to heal Colin's broken body. Finally he finished and Colin woke up to find himself levitated of the ground. Harry quickly put him back down and helped pick the deranged Creevey back on solid ground.

'Ah wh-what happened?' Colin asked looking into the stands

'You went for the snitch and crashed, it's alright now though you're fine, so why don't you just head back over to the changing rooms and wait for the team' said Harry trying to point Colin in the right direction.

'Ye-yeah alright, I'll do th-that thanks professor.' Harry then watched as Colin then stumbled his way towards the change rooms.

'Quite a little performance you just showed Harry' said the voice of Dumbledore from behind his left shoulder, so Harry turned round.

'Oh, ah, thanks professor.'

'Tell me, what young Mr Creevey's injuries were?'

'Well he had four broken ribs, a broken arm and a punctured lung' Harry said counting them off.

'And you healed them all?' Dumbledore said, his eyes becoming brighter.

'Yep, he's just going to be a little dazed for a while.'

'Indeed, well I must be going, I have a lot of things that must be taken care of, see you at the ball Harry' Dumbledore then turned on his heel and left talking to himself.

Harry didn't have much time to reflect though before he was swamped by Ron, Ginny, Crystal and Hermione.

'Harry that was brilliant' squealed Hermione.

'Yeah I wish you came and worked on my injuries instead of this pillock' said Crystal whilst hitting Ron's arm playfully.

'What? Your better aren't you' said Ron, his cheeks starting to glow.

'Yeah well anyway I have some great news' said Ginny, 'as I was walking over here I passed Colin and I heard him muttering to himself saying he'd never play Quidditch again' they all then looked at Harry pleadingly, even Hermione.

'Alright I'll play' said Harry, glad that he was finally going to be playing the game that he had missed so much.

'Awesome now where definitely going to win the cup, all we have to do is win our games and hope for some results go our way' said Ron enthusiastically.

'Sorry guys but I've got to go, it's going to take me ages to get ready, see ya' she then ran back up to the castle.

'Yeah we better go' said Hermione, who couldn't wait till she was with Harry.

'Umm Hermione before you go, could I have a quick word' said Ron, looking at his feet.

'Uh, ok' she then turned to Crystal and raised her eyebrows.

'Come on Harry' said Crystal, dragging Harry away from his old friends, 'we've got to get ready for the ball, you've got to be looking good for all those special girls that want to dance with you don't you?'

'Yeah… That special girl' said Harry as he took one last look over his shoulder and saw Hermione give Ron a huge hug, he then turned back towards the castle dreading the night a head.

'Oh Harry, don't look like that, this will be a night to remember' said Crystal who was wearing a very cheeky grin.

'I doubt it' Harry said glumly as he walked through the doors to the castle and trudged up to the Gryffindor tower to get ready for the nights festivities.

Harry didn't realise it then but Crystal was right.

Tonight would be a night to remember...

Flyin Eagle